'Little MIss' shines at Critics' Choice Awards

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — ‘‘Little Miss Sunshine,’’ the heartwarming story about family dysfunction, and the musical ‘‘Dreamgirls,’’ led winners at the 12th annual Critics’ Choice Awards on Friday night. Both films earned four awards, though ‘‘The Departed’’ took home top prizes for best picture and best director. ...

‘‘Little Miss Sunshine’’ won for best acting ensemble, best young actress for Abigail Breslin, best young actor for Paul Dano and best writer for Michael Arndt.

Eddie Murphy and Chicago native Jennifer Hudson of ‘‘Dreamgirls’’ earned honors in the best supporting actor/actress categories. The film also earned an award for best soundtrack, while Beyonce won for best song for ‘‘Listen.’’

Helen Mirren earned the best actress nod for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in ‘‘The Queen.’’ Forest Whitaker won best actor for ‘‘The Last King of Scotland.’’

The awards were presented by the Broadcast Film Critics Association at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Presenters included Penelope Cruz, Toni Collette, Steven Spielberg and Spike Lee.